MB-BOB

I have a question. Aren't all radial tires rotational, once they are installed on the car? By this, I mean, standard radials can be put on either side of the car from the rack, but once there, they should be rotated front to back only... not to the other side of the car.

Tires that are "labelled" as rotational simply mean their tread design is intended for a specific side of the car. These should be installed on the side of the car indicated, then also rotated front to rear, when needed.

Someone correct me...

pocholin

You are correct, rotational or directional is the same, they have an arrow stating which way they rotate. You cannot use the X rotation method on these tires, just front and back, if they are the same size.

London AMG

A few weeks ago my car went in for a four wheel alignment check....(pulling to the left)...just checking the car over this morning and they have swapped my front wheels over so the direction arrows dont point in the roll direction.......how dangerous is this?......I want to know because the level of my complaint will be according.....whether a problem or not...I AM MAJORLY PI$$ED.....or do you lot think i am being unreasonable?

amdeutsch

I would swap them so they face correctly ASAP. There is a reason for that madness; traction, handling, wear and other technical things. Looks to me they had a TRAINEE work on yor car.

London AMG

$#!T....only yesterday I held the car at 60-140 mph (mostly above 120)for about 150 miles....I wonder how the risk of an accident was increased by me wheels being shod incorrectly?....and could I have damaged my michelin pilots,I guess I have done about 700 miles since they worked (***'d) with my car
............hey people I'm sorry if anyone is offended with my rantings........but you know....sometimes you just have to vent
AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

amdeutsch

That would be too much for me. It just goes to show you have to keep on top of them. Maybe the Michelin website has suggestions. But either way I'd talk to the dealer.

MB-BOB

London AMG

Here's another thread on the subject. My understanding is that once you run your radial tires on the car (regardless of whether they're designed for one side or another) the internal construction of the tire takes a "set" for use on that side of the car. It you cross-rotate (front right to front left, for example) the tire now revolves in the opposite direction. On this side of the pond, they say that's a NO-NO, and a possible damager to the tire.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...490#post158490

Someone else chime in here. I'm not sure radial tire-speak changes over time, but it could, I suppose.

GTIDAN

Old habits die hard as they say.

According to TireRack it's ok and recomended to cross rotate your radial tires. IE: left front to right rear and so forth PROVIDING your tires are NOT unidirectional. The Michelins on my benz are NOT directional and therefore can be rotated other than front to back....
They should know...........

pocholin

London AMG, while the tires learn their pattern, the most critical situation about counting them on the wrong direction is traction, specially on wet sufaces, the tire is not pushing water to the sides, is pulling it in! I'd have them rotated a.s.a.p. and make sure they never do that again.

xc240x

big no no for the dealer... directional tires are made to roll one way and that's it... it's ok to change where on the car they are....ie- front left can go to rear left, or if the tires are taken off the wheels, you can go from one side to the other, but they always have to face forward in the direction they roll... that's how it was done at the shop i worked at... and they've been in the aftermarket tire business for 30 years. I'd be just as pissed, you expect that professionals are working on your car at the dealer, not some dumb asses!!!

viper

Professionals working on your car is not the norm.

xc240x

It should be!!!

mdp c230k

Yeah, there is a chance of belt seperation if you run the tire the other way after it has been 'set' in the other rotation. This may not be visible from the outside of the tire but you wont be able to balance it properly and it will 'shimmy' while driving.

JeT

I don't think a blowout of all four tyres simulatneously would be very fun!!

pocholin

not when it happens, but I'm sure that after a few weeks it will be remembered as a fun experience

eyeman

I have a 2001 C320 with the sport package. How bad is this car in winter snow and ice (Massachusetts)? What winter tires and wheels are you guys running? Any suggestions on where to buy them online? Thanks.

DtS

Welcome here!

Your question has been discussed many times before. Please search the forums and you'll find some great anwers!

peet

Get some roll bars, 5 point harness and you'll be fine!

Rainers

Go to TIRERACK.com They have a great article about winter tires.
After reading it I made my decision.

Boo2

I picked up some Michelin Pilot Alpins to match the Michilin Pilot Sports that came with my car. They seem to be okay, but then again I have to make sure my car is in winter mode or I get zero traction.

shtatc

Destroyed my right rear tire this morning. I guess I had a small leak and was running flat on my way to work. Destroyed the inner side wall....you got to love the smell of burnt rubber in the morning. AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH. Good thing - the wheels were fine.
Well, the rears needed to be replaced soon - about 10,000 miles left., ,aybe less. The fronts have about double that - the down side of staggered set up.
Now the question is - do I replace just the rears or go for a whole new set? HMMMMMMM.....can you say go for the new set? Have to start calling around.

bagwell

if you got the $$$$$$ replace the whole set. otherwise just replace 2 at a time !!

what tires are you thinking of ?

you had the Mich Pilot Sports ?

shtatc

I had the ContiSportContacts....have been very happy with them.
I will probably get the new set - either the S03's or looking at the new Yoko AVS ES100. Still debating - but may go for what I can get the quickest - depending on brand.

patronus

I highly recommend Kuhmo Ectsa 712's. They are W rated with an aggressive pattern, wear well and are CHEAP (around $100 each for 17")

shtatc

I just called my friend who works at Discount Tire....he is looking into the Kumho 712's and Yoko ES100's. The front tires are in stock - but have to order the rears. I dont think I would be unhappy in either case. About the same price for either also - he is calling me back for price and availability(delivery of rears).